Researchers from North Carolina State University, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, and the University of Waterloo have developed an innovative method to create transparent conductive oxide films through a room-temperature printing process. This advancement is crucial for applications in mobile phone screens and computer monitors, where transparency, flexibility, and high conductivity are essential.

The newly developed technique uses liquid metals to deposit ultra-thin metal oxide layers onto surfaces, resulting in circuits that are both robust and versatile. Michael Dickey, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at NC State University, highlighted the significance of this development, especially for devices requiring transparent electrodes.

“Transparency in metal oxide films is critical for applications such as cell phone screens and computer monitors, where electrodes are needed to make devices touch-sensitive and to control the pixels of light,” said Dickey. He explained that the new films are incredibly thin—only four nanometers—allowing them to be bent or folded without breaking. This flexibility opens up new possibilities for their use in flexible electronics.

One of the most surprising findings of the research was the stability of these metal oxide films at high temperatures. This characteristic implies that the films could be used in extreme environments or for applications requiring long-term durability in ambient conditions. Despite their metallic properties, these films maintain a high level of transparency, making them particularly valuable for touch screens and display technologies.

Traditional methods for creating metal oxide films are often time-consuming, costly, and require high temperatures. However, the new printing approach offers a more efficient solution, enabling the production of transparent, flexible circuits at room temperature. This process not only simplifies manufacturing but also reduces costs and energy consumption.

The research team is now exploring the extension of this printing technology to other materials. Dickey mentioned that by adding a small amount of aluminum to gallium—a metal with a low melting point—they were able to print aluminum oxide near room temperature. This discovery suggests that the technique could be adapted to produce a wide range of metal oxide films.

“We are inspired by these results and are interested in exploring other materials using this technique,” said Dickey. “We believe this could lead to new applications and advancements in the field of flexible electronics.”

This groundbreaking work represents a significant step forward in the development of transparent conductive films, with potential applications spanning consumer electronics, sensors, and beyond.

By Impact Lab